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Scientists have found that the epilepsy drug topiramate may help to treat alcoholism by boosting overall health as well as cutting cravings.

Researchers have reported on clinical trials which found that the drug decreased heavy drinking and reduced both the physical and psychosocial harm caused by alcohol dependence.

The drug was used in a 14-week trial involving 371 men and women who had been diagnosed with alcoholism.

The researchers, who are based at the University of Virginia, found that the drug brought about a reduction in obsessive thoughts about alcohol.

It also decreased cholesterol, blood pressure, and levels of liver enzymes which are linked to cirrhosis.

Lead author Professor Bankole Johnson commented: 'What we've found is that topiramate treats the alcohol addiction, not just the 'symptom' of drinking.'

The findings are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine and may lead more doctors to prescribe the drug for alcoholism, despite the fact that it is not currently licensed for the treatment of alcohol addiction in the UK.